What does Luke 18:26 mean?

Explanation

Luke 18:26 refers to the reaction of the people who were present when Jesus had a conversation with a rich ruler, as recorded in the Gospel of Luke.

This event takes place when a wealthy man asks Jesus about inheriting eternal life.

Jesus tells him to sell all his possessions, give to the poor, and follow him.

The man becomes very sad because he was wealthy.

After this event, Jesus makes a comment about how hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God, which leads to this verse: the bystanders express their astonishment and ask, "Who then can be saved?" The verse captures a moment of existential questioning by the people who witnessed Jesus' teachings, reflecting on the difficulty of achieving salvation, especially if wealth is seen as an obstacle.

Historical Context

During the time this verse was written, Judea was under Roman rule, and there was a significant divide between the rich and the poor.

Wealth was often associated with God's blessing, so the idea that a rich person would have difficulty entering God's kingdom was counter-cultural and shocking.

The historical context of Jewish society indicated that wealth could be a sign of God's favor, and poverty could be seen as a result of sin or disfavor.

Jesus' teachings challenged these preconceptions, emphasizing spiritual wealth over material wealth.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse can be interpreted in various ways depending on different Christian traditions:

• Salvation Through Faith: Protestant traditions might argue that the verse illustrates that salvation cannot be achieved through wealth or human means but only through faith in Jesus Christ.
• Moral of Detachment: Catholic interpretations could emphasize the moral of detachment from material possessions and the necessity of following Jesus' teachings to achieve salvation.
• Divine Grace: Some theologians might see this verse as a testament to the importance of divine grace in the process of salvation, suggesting that salvation is not something humans can achieve on their own.
• Universalism Versus Exclusivism: The question of "Who then can be saved?" might also be debated in the context of universalism (the belief that all people will eventually be saved) versus exclusivism (the idea that only a select group will be saved).

Practical Applications

The practical applications of Luke 18:26 might include:

• Philanthropy: The verse encourages believers to contemplate their relationship with wealth and consider giving to the less fortunate.
• Spiritual Reflection: It calls for spiritual reflection on what truly matters in life and what is necessary for salvation, prompting believers to prioritize spiritual growth over material success.
• Faith Over Works: It can underscore the belief that salvation comes through faith rather than works or social status.

Cross-References

• Matthew 19:25: "When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?"
• Mark 10:26: "And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?"
• Luke 18:27: "And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God."
• Matthew 19:24: "And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God."

Language Study

The original Greek text for "Who then can be saved?" is "τίς ἄρα δύναται σωθῆναι." Key words include:

• "τίς" (tis): meaning "who?" or "what?", indicating a question about identity or capability.
• "ἄρα" (ara): a particle that is often used to draw a conclusion; here, it might be translated as "then," indicating a consequence.
• "δύναται" (dynatai): from "δύναμαι" (dynamai), meaning "to be able" or "to have power." It reflects the capability or possibility of something happening.
• "σωθῆναι" (sothênai): aorist infinitive passive of "σῴζω" (sōzō), meaning "to save," "to deliver," "to protect." It addresses the concept of salvation or being saved.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concern for who can be saved is not unique to Christianity.

Other ancient religions and myths also grapple with concepts of afterlife and divine favor:

• In ancient Egyptian religion, the concept of Maat and the weighing of the heart determined one's afterlife fate.
• In Greco-Roman mythology, the idea of the Elysian Fields was reserved for the righteous and heroic.
• In Hinduism, concepts like karma and moksha address the soul's liberation and the requirements for achieving it.

Scientific Perspectives

While science typically does not directly address theological concepts such as salvation, it does explore the psychological and sociological aspects of religious belief and the effects of such beliefs on human behavior.

Studies in evolutionary psychology might discuss the human tendency to seek meaning and a moral framework, which could explain the disciples' query about being saved.

Moreover, behavioral economics could provide insight into how people perceive wealth and the psychological barriers that can make it difficult to part with material possessions.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians have offered various interpretations of Luke 18:26:

• Classic Commentaries: Matthew Henry suggests that the verse captures a moment of perplexity regarding the path to eternal life, highlighting dependence on God's power for salvation.
• Modern Scholarly Thought: N.T.

Wright emphasizes that Jesus' teachings on wealth and salvation turned the values of the first-century world upside down, challenging social norms.

• Theological Perspectives: William Barclay points out that the verse underscores the eternal truth that human beings cannot achieve salvation through their own efforts, but only through the grace of God.